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What type of liability can arise from a criminal act?
Only criminal liability
Only tort liability
Both criminal and tort liability
Liability is not applicable
The correct answer is: Both criminal and tort liability
Criminal acts can lead to both criminal liability and tort liability because they encompass different legal frameworks. Criminal liability occurs when an individual engages in conduct that violates the criminal law, leading to punishments such as imprisonment or fines imposed by the state. This is designed to punish offenders for actions that are deemed harmful to society at large. On the other hand, tort liability arises from wrongful acts that cause harm or injury to another person, providing a basis for the harmed party to recover damages in civil court. A single criminal act can result in both types of liability simultaneously. For instance, if someone commits assault, they may face criminal prosecution for their actions while also being subject to a civil lawsuit from the victim seeking compensation for injuries sustained. In summary, a criminal act can lead to penalties imposed by the state as well as civil liabilities, highlighting the dual legal consequences that can arise from a single wrongful action.